Every year the Acharya K.K. Chandy Endowment Trust holds a yearly lecture in coordination with FOR India to honor the memory of two of FOR India's founders: Ahcarya K.K. Chandy and Mary Chandy. The lecture provides an opportunity for members to gather and hear acclaimed people from different walks of life discuss socially relevant issues. The lecture series exists to deepen the knowledge and practice of love in action through nonviolence and community building which Acharya K. K. Chandy demonstrated in his life.
This year's theme was "The need to develop a mindset that enables building a violence free world." The lecture was delivered by Dr. Mohan Isaac an internationally renowned psychiatrist who has served with the World Health Organization and has contributed immensely in the field of community mental health. Dr. Mohan Issac MD (Psy), DPM, FRCPsych, FRANZCP is Professor of Psychiatry; & Consultant Psychiatrist. He is the Graduate Research Coordinator of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience at The University of Western Australia. He is also a Visiting Professor of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore.
The lecture was held at Gurukul Ecumenical and Peace Centre Hall, Manganam, Kottayam, Kerala, India. In addition to Dr. Isaac, those gathered were also honored by the attendance of the Visitor President of Christavashram , Rt Rev Thomas Samuel , retired Bishop, who presided over the function organized by the Acharya KK Chandy Endowment Trust. Rt Rev Samuel noted in his Presidential Address that Acharya Chandy was indeed a Christian innovator who revolutionized the concept and practice of community living.
The 16th Commemorative Lecture was well attended with a full hall of distinguished professionals, social activists, friends and relatives. Tea was served preceding the Chief Guest’s oration in the hall itself. The lecture had a wide coverage by the Press. The feedback received from the invitees was encouraging. The lecture was followed by a brainstorming session to discuss the various concerns of violence in society, particularly as it impacts the lives and opportunities of India's youth. IFOR's President Davorka Lovrekovic and International Coordinator, Lucas Johnson expressed their congratulations to FOR India for the success of the annual lecture.